Kentish Express Ashford & District
Elgar’s late strike earns a point
Ashford
Will Elgar’s late equaliser earned Ashford men’s 1sts a Kent/Sussex Regional 1 point in a 2-2 draw at Sevenoaks 2nds.
Two minutes were left when Elgar struck, finishing off Steven Barrett’s set-up.
Ashford started slowly, under pressure and struggling for possession, as Oaks went in front after being gifted a penalty flick.
The visitors grew into the game, and started to take control, thanks to the work-rate of Irish Johnson and Elgar creating chances, with Andy Hill going close, following a free-flowing move.
The visitors continued their dominance in the second half, creating several chances but still failing to get on terms. Frustration continued until Hill struck, reacting quickest to the rebound after a good save by the home keeper.
Oaks went in front again from a well-executed short corner but Ashford continued to push forward, through Allan Dawson’s running and man-of-the-match Callum Wilson marshalling defence and midfield.
Sam Hunt’s winner earned the 2nds only their second Kent 1 victory, a 3-2 success against Holcombe 2A at Ball Lane.
Skipper Kevin Miller put Ashford in front but missed chances stopped the hosts putting the result beyond doubt and Holcombe levelled before half-time.
Rory Miller’s reverse close-range flick restored the lead, only for Ashford to concede again with 15 minutes left.
However, their response was immediate, Ben Shepherd’s speed taking him into the D, he then slipped the ball to man-of-the-match Hunt who did the rest. The 3rds lost 3-0 at Canterbury Millers in Kent 2, while the 4ths went down 3-1 at home to Sevenoaks in Open B.
Craig Macara’s strike claimed Crusaders a share of the spoils in a 2-2 draw against Gravesham in Open Division 1. Tony Spain’s short corner strike put them ahead before Gravesham took the lead with goals either side of half-time.
Macara then finished off a well-worked move. The 6ths lost 6-0 at Maidstone in Open Division 4.